Siskiyou County supervisors vote to pursue seceding from state

More than 100 people packed the supervisors' chambers for a discussion on whether the county should issue a declaration it wants to secede from the state. Nearly all those in attendance appeared to be for the move.

Among those in attendance was Erin Ryan, field representative for Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale. She said that she and other LaMalfa staff members supported the effort to secede, but she did not know LaMalfa's thoughts on it.

Board Chairman Ed Valenzuela was the sole vote against the declaration. He said he was elected to solve problems within the system.

In August, county residents lobbied the board to consider separating from the state over a laundry list of complaints including a lack of representation in Sacramento for the Republican-majority county, issues pertaining to water rights and the rural fire prevention fee.

Tuesday's action would be the first step in a long process that would require approval from the state Legislature and the Congress.

Siskiyou County would also invite other neighboring counties in California and southern Oregon to join in the effort to create a new state.

The U.S. Constitution allows for the formation of new states, though land can't be taken from existing states without the consent of state and federal governments.